Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday chaired an emergency meeting with all MLAs of the INDIA bloc at his Kanke Road residence, followed by a dinner, sending a strong message of unity on the eve of the last day for filing nominations for the two Rajya Sabha seats in the state. The election is scheduled for June 18.
Background of the Meeting
The move comes after days of internal bickering over seat-sharing between the coalition partners, followed by hectic parleys by Congress's central observers with the Chief Minister since Saturday. The JMM, which heads the coalition government with Congress and RJD, has named former minister Baidyanath Ram for one seat, while the Congress has fielded Pranav Jha, a close aide of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, for the other seat.
Unity Message from Leaders
Sources indicated that both INDIA bloc candidates will file their nominations on Monday in the presence of Hemant Soren and senior office-bearers of the Congress. Finance Minister and Congress MLA Radha Krishana Kishore told the media while entering the CM's house, "All is well. There was nothing anywhere."
After the meeting, JMM general secretary Vinod Pandey stated, "A meeting under the aegis of CM and JMM president resolved that we will stay united to ensure victories of both the candidates of INDIA bloc." Congress legislature party leader and Poreyahat MLA Pradeep Yadav added, "All MLAs of INDIA bloc will ensure victory of JMM and Congress candidates. Nominations will be filed by both candidates at 11 am on Monday."
Opposition BJP's Strategy
The opposition BJP, on the other hand, has yet to announce its candidate, despite central functionary Gourav Vallabh purchasing nomination papers on Saturday. Sources said the party is expected to back independent candidate and outgoing Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh and industrialist, Parimal Nathwani. Nathwani, who has served as a Rajya Sabha MP twice from Jharkhand, is said to have good rapport across party lines. He met Hemant Soren on Friday night seeking his support.
A BJP source commented, "The central leadership is looking into the developments. NDA, as it is, doesn't have enough numbers to win. Hence, there is a possibility to avoid direct contest and back an independent who could be equally as good as a party candidate."
Numbers Game
In the 81-member state assembly, the INDIA bloc has 56 members. If the entire flock stays united, both JMM and Congress are set to clinch one seat each. However, the contest remains open with the possibility of a third candidate entering the fray.
